A nurse on a postpartum unit is caring for a group of clients. Which of the following clients is the nurse’s priority?
A client who is 2 days postpartum and whose fundus is 2 to 4 cm below the umbilicus.
A client who is 3 days postpartum and has not had a bowel movement since prior to admission.
A client who is 4 days postpartum and has lochia serosa.
A client who is 1 day postpartum and has not voided in 8 hr.
The Correct Answer is D
A client who is 1 day postpartum and has not voided in 8 hr. This client is at risk of urinary retention, bladder distension, and infection due to the effects of epidural anesthesia, perineal trauma, and fluid shifts after delivery. The nurse should assess the client’s bladder and catheterize if necessary.
Choice A is wrong because a client who is 2 days postpartum and whose fundus is 2 to 4 cm below the umbilicus is showing a normal finding.
The fundus should descend about 1 to 2 cm per day after delivery and be nonpalpable by day 10.
Choice B is wrong because a client who is 3 days postpartum and has not had a bowel movement since prior to admission is not uncommon.
Constipation is a common problem after delivery due to decreased peristalsis, dehydration, and fear of pain.
The nurse should encourage fluid intake, fiber intake, and early ambulation to promote bowel function.
Choice C is wrong because a client who is 4 days postpartum and has lochia serosa is also showing a normal finding.
Lochia serosa is the pinkish-brown discharge that occurs from day 4 to 10 after delivery.
It consists of old blood, serum, leukocytes, and tissue debris.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A client who is 1 day postpartum and has not voided in 8 hr. This client is at risk of urinary retention, bladder distension, and infection due to the effects of epidural anesthesia, perineal trauma, and fluid shifts after delivery. The nurse should assess the client’s bladder and catheterize if necessary.
Choice A is wrong because a client who is 2 days postpartum and whose fundus is 2 to 4 cm below the umbilicus is showing a normal finding.
The fundus should descend about 1 to 2 cm per day after delivery and be nonpalpable by day 10.
Choice B is wrong because a client who is 3 days postpartum and has not had a bowel movement since prior to admission is not uncommon.
Constipation is a common problem after delivery due to decreased peristalsis, dehydration, and fear of pain.
The nurse should encourage fluid intake, fiber intake, and early ambulation to promote bowel function.
Choice C is wrong because a client who is 4 days postpartum and has lochia serosa is also showing a normal finding.
Lochia serosa is the pinkish-brown discharge that occurs from day 4 to 10 after delivery.
It consists of old blood, serum, leukocytes, and tissue debris.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This statement indicates that the client has orthopnea, which is a sign of worsening heart failure and fluid overload. The nurse should intervene by assessing the client’s vital signs, oxygen saturation, lung sounds, and edema, and notifying the provider for possible diuretic adjustment.
Choice A is wrong because “I’m urinating in larger amounts.” is an expected outcome of taking furosemide, which is a loop diuretic that increases urine output and reduces fluid retention.
Choice C is wrong because “I suck on hard candy for my dry mouth.” is a harmless way to cope with the side effect of dry mouth caused by furosemide.
Choice D is wrong because “I’ve lost 3 pounds in the last week.” is a positive sign that the client is losing excess fluid and improving their heart failure
condition. A weight loss of 2 to 4 pounds per week is acceptable for clients taking diuretics.
Normal ranges for heart failure clients are:
- Blood pressure: less than 140/90 mmHg
- Heart rate: 60 to 100 beats per minute
- Respiratory rate: 12 to 20 breaths per minute
- Oxygen saturation: greater than 95%
- Weight: stable or decreasing within 2 to 4 pounds per week
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.